Alleged Lufkin Roofing Scammer Goes On Trial In Gilmer

Jimmy Michael Devance, facing charges in Gilmer, also wanted in Lufkin

GILMER, TX, Feb. 16, 2009 -- The jury trial of 34 year old Jimmy Michael Devance, AKA 'Big Country', begins Tuesday in the 115th District Court in Gilmer.

He was indicted by an Upshur County Grand Jury in September of last year on a third degree felony charge of Theft of Property in excess of $20,000.

Regardless of the outcome, he will likely face charges in Lufkin relating to his alleged involvement in a roofing repair scam that left several elderly Lufkin residents out thousands of dollars after Hurricane Ike.

At least one of the scam victims from Lufkin has been scheduled to testify against Devance in the trial here in Gilmer.

Devance is currently free on $30,000 bond.